Kalevala is the national epic of Finland and its influence on Finnish poetry and arts can’t be underestimated. It’s a book that combines old poetry and at the same time tells a story of the land of Kalevala. The poems were collected by Elias Lönnrot on his trips to all over Finland, especially Karelia. Lönnrot didn’t actually write the book but just adapted the stories and poems to better suit his view of Kalevala. The first version of Kalevala was published in 1835 but 14 years later the new Kalevala replaced it.

Kalevala starts with an prologue and the creation of the world. The main story of Kalevala focuses on the magic mill called Sampo that grinds gold, grain and salt. Väinämöinen, the singer and enchanter of the poem is the leader of the people of Kalevala.  

When Kalevala was published, it turned out be a turning point for Finnish language, its development and appreciation in other European countries. It made the small and outlying country known all over the world. It´s greatly appreciated too, and like Beowulf it has had a huge influence on arts. For example J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings saga has been partly inspired by Kalevala.